Graduates make beeline for V/Line Markovics keep rail in the family

technicians coming through to help V/Line as the regional network continues to grow. “Training courses like this don’t just help fill an industry need for specialised skilled workers, they also provide an exciting career path for Victorians,” he said.

After almost six decades as a railway man, train driver Peter Markovic has made his final journey with Queensland Rail, but his railway legacy lives on through his daughter Holly.

Peter retired just days before Holly became a qualified train guard – and he couldn’t be prouder of her.

“The biggest change I’ve seen in the rail industry over the decades is the growth in opportunities for women and I’m incredibly proud my daughter Holly is able to carve out a career in rail, as I’m waving goodbye. She has taken to the railways like a duck to water and loves the operational side of things,” he said.

“When I started as a lad porter assisting passengers in 1965, that job was only for men and there were very few women working in rail. The ones who did were widows of railway workers who were given jobs like station mistresses, cleaning trains or manning the refreshment rooms, but over the years I started noticing more women on station platforms and asked how they got there.

“I sent Holly a job application for a station on steam locos, before qualifying as a train driver

“I really enjoyed my time driving heritage steam trains – we used to get the kids on board the loco when we stopped at Roma Street and they were so excited,” he said.

“I’ve loved the job. When you’re out driving a train, you’re in charge and it’s great to get people where they need to go on time. I’ve met so many people in this career and in all my years as a driver I’ve never broken down.”

Holly said she never thought her dad would become her co-worker but it has made their father and daughter relationship stronger and they’ll always have the railways to bond over.

“Even when dad’s in the car he’ll drive past the train station and say which station it is. It’s funny as I’ve now started doing it and I’ll probably do the same with my kids,” she said.

“We always waved to each other if his train arrivedon my platform and it’s sad to see him go, but I know he’s put a lot of hard work and dedication into his career and he deserves to put his feet up and start a new chapter.”